Can Mail-Order Aligners Mess Up Your Bite?

Yes ?? over 2,600 unhappy customers have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau due to poor results with mail-order aligners. Without direct supervision by a licensed orthodontist, it may take a long time for a customer to realize their aligners aren't working properly, and by then there may already be permanent damage to the teeth and gums.

Should I Get Invisalign Aligners or Mail-Order Aligners?

Whichever orthodontic treatment you choose, make sure you are making an informed decision about where you are getting your teeth straightened. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends you seek treatment from a licensed orthodontist. For results you can trust, and technology that delivers, it's best to go to a licensed orthodontist.

Mail-Order vs. Invisalign Aligners: Key Differences - Video Guide

Q: Are Mail-Order Aligner Brands Cheaper than Invisalign Aligners?

Actually, no. Mail-order aligner brands offer 'complete' 6-month clear aligner treatment for around $2,000. But there's a catch: that price doesn't include necessary parts of treatment, including the cost of X-Rays, diagnostic records, extra aligners for refinements or more complex cases, attachments for aligner grip, or final retainers ?? not to mention direct, in-office supervision by a licensed orthodontist.

Q: Do Mail-Order Aligner Companies Use Invisalign Aligners?

No. Invisalign aligners are only available through licensed, trained orthodontists in an accredited office. Mail-order brands use generic plastics and technology for their clear aligners.

Q: Do Mail-Order Aligner Brands Take X-Rays?

No. X-rays are a necessary part of orthodontic treatment, so in order to acquire X-rays, mail-order aligner companies have customers pay out-of-pocket for X-rays at their dentist's office, at a separate cost from their clear aligner treatment.

Q: Does Insurance Cover Mail-Order or Invisalign Clear Aligners?

If your private insurance includes orthodontic coverage, then it should cover a substantial portion of your Invisalign treatment. Conversely, because mail-order aligner brands do not offer direct supervision by a licensed orthodontist, nor in-office visits, and due to frequent consumer complaints regarding the effectiveness of the treatment, your insurance provider may decline coverage or cover a smaller portion of it.

Invisalign aligners were the first to offer nearly invisible teeth straightening over 20 years ago. They have led in innovative dental treatments, including video consultations for remote monitoring of progress.

Recently, new brands have introduced mail-order aligners. We send these directly to customers for home use. They allow you to straighten your teeth without visiting an orthodontist.

This trend raises questions about Invisalign vs mail-order aligners comparison. Both methods focus on moving teeth effectively. Yet, Invisalign involves professional guidance, while mail-order options offer a more independent approach.

How do mail-order teeth straightening kits compare to Invisalign treatment done with the help of professional orthodontists?

Keep reading to learn more.

Are Mail-Order Aligner Brands Cheaper than Invisalign Aligners?

Mail-order aligner brands might seem cheaper than Invisalign, with a base price of around $2,000 for a 6-month treatment. However, this doesn't include extra costs like X-Rays, diagnostic records, additional aligners, attachments, or final retainers. Without these, treatment for complex cases or refinements isn't complete. Often, mail-order aligners end up costing more due to these added expenses.

In contrast, some Invisalign providers charge about $2,400 for mild-to-moderate cases, covering all aligners and retainers. Invisalign uses patented SmartTrack ? material, unlike mail-order brands that use generic plastic. This difference impacts the quality of tooth movement.

Invisalign usually has better insurance and you get help from a dentist or orthodontist, unlike mail-order teeth straighteners. Invisalign is a great choice for straightening teeth. While there are other options like traditional metal braces or lingual braces, Invisalign provides a complete solution for teeth straightening. We craft your Invisalign aligner to deliver the best results and reduce your treatment time effectively.

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Do Mail-Order Aligner Companies Use Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are specialized dental devices that can only be acquired through accredited dental offices, overseen by licensed and trained orthodontists. These aligners are distinct due to their use of advanced, patented materials unique to Invisalign's treatment method. This includes SmartTrack ? material, SmartForce ? attachments, and iTero® scanning technology.

Dentists partnered with Align Technology offer advanced tools for Invisalign treatments. These treatments use specialized materials and techniques different from typical braces. This is available only to patients who visit dental professionals in person.

On the other hand, mail-order alignment companies often use standard plastics for their set of alignment. They aim to address orthodontic issues, but their technology and materials are not as specialized as Invisalign's. This highlights a key difference between the type of braces offered by professionals and those from mail-order companies.

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Do Mail-Order Aligner Brands Take X-Rays?

No .For those with misaligned teeth, using mail-order aligner services often means paying extra for x-rays at a dentist's office. This cost is separate from the price of the clear plastic aligner treatment.

When you go to an orthodontist for Invisalign aligners, the cost already covers x-rays. This makes it easier to take care of your teeth problems.

Additionally, orthodontist offices often offer payment plans, which may not be available with mail-order options. These plans can also cover other treatments like ceramic braces, ensuring overall dental health for both teeth and gums.

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Does Insurance Cover Mail-Order or Invisalign Clear Aligners?

If you have private insurance with orthodontic coverage, it often pays for a large part of your Invisalign treatment. This payment can be either up-front or monthly and is usually handled directly by the orthodontist's office. This means you won't need to deal with the insurance company yourself.

However, DIY aligners from mail-order brands may not be covered by insurance because they don't have direct oversight from a licensed Invisalign orthodontist or in-person check-ups. People have also complained about how effective these braces are.

If your insurance covers DIY aligners, they might not pay much. You'll have to ask for reimbursement yourself after buying the aligners. Invisalign, which has a dentist's supervision, is better because it can affect your insurance coverage and overall costs for dental problems. So, think carefully about your options for orthodontic treatment.

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What is The Difference Between Mail-Order and Invisalign Clear Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are made with a special material called SmartTrack ? , which is designed just for fixing teeth. This material helps make your teeth straighter faster and more predictably.

Unlike Invisalign, mail order clear aligners and mail order braces use generic plastic. This choice can affect the outcome of the treatment.

However, both types of aligners, including those from mail order services, use BPA-free plastic. This is important for safety and is standard across all brands. When choosing an orthodontic treatment, consider how the impressions of your teeth will be handled and the materials used in the aligners.

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Can Mail-Order Aligners Treat the Same Conditions as Invisalign Treatment?

Mail-order teeth aligners can only treat mild to moderate dental issues. They lack the direct oversight of an Invisalign orthodontist. This supervision is crucial for effective treatment. Invisalign aligners, guided by an orthodontist, can manage more complex dental cases.

Invisalign offers more benefits due to orthodontist supervision. This includes using special attachments for better grip and movement. On the other hand, mail-order aligners pose risks due to lack of professional guidance. When considering the cost and quality of Invisalign versus DIY aligners, remember to brush your teeth regularly for oral health.

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